Occupied Jerusalem – On Monday, hundreds of Israeli settlers, under the protection of Israeli occupation forces, stormed the courtyards of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, according to the Palestinian News Agency (WAFA).
Local sources reported that more than 519 settlers entered the mosque, citing “Jewish holidays” as a pretext. While inside the mosque compound, the settlers performed Talmudic rituals in the courtyards, a provocative act that has angered Palestinians.
Tightened Military Restrictions in Jerusalem’s Old City
To facilitate the settlers’ incursion, Israeli occupation forces intensified military restrictions in the Old City of Jerusalem, obstructing access to Al-Maghariba Gate through Bab al-Asbat (Lions’ Gate). These actions disrupted the movement of Palestinian residents and hindered their access to Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Escalation During Jewish Holidays: Targeting Palestinians and Religious Sites
The Israeli authorities routinely exploit Jewish holidays to increase pressure on Palestinians by imposing collective punishment measures. These include the closure of checkpoints, stricter military controls, and obstructing Palestinian movement to prevent access to holy sites. Meanwhile, settlers are given free rein to storm Palestinian cities and religious landmarks, particularly Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem and the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron.
These incursions are seen by Palestinians as part of an ongoing strategy to undermine Islamic and cultural heritage and further Judaize key religious sites in the occupied territories.
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Author: nor-eleslam
Keyphrase: Al-Aqsa Mosque, Israeli settlers, occupation forces, Jewish holidays, Palestinian holy sites
